Stigma and Discrimination: World AIDS Campaign Theme 2002-2003

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Stigma and discrimination: World AIDS Campaign 2002-2003

World AIDS Campaign 2002-2003. Stigma and discrimination is the theme

of the two-year World AIDS Campaign 2002-2003.

Stigma and discrimination are the major obstacles to effective

HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Fear of discrimination may prevent

people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from acknowledging their

HIV status publicly. People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be

turned away from health care services, denied housing and employment,

shunned by their friends and colleagues, turned down for insurance

coverage or refused entry into foreign countries. In some cases, they

may be evicted from home by their families, divorced by their

spouses, and suffer physical violence or even murder. The stigma

attached to HIV/AIDS may extend into the next generation, placing an

emotional burden on children who may also be trying to cope with the

death of their parents from AIDS.

With its focus on stigma and discrimination, the Campaign will

encourage people to break the silence and the barriers to effective

HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Only by confronting stigma and

discrimination will the fight against HIV/AIDS be won.

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For more information on the World AIDS Campaign, please contact:

Doupe, World AIDS Campaign Coordinator

UNAIDS, Geneva, tel. (+41 22) 791 4765

e-mail: doupea@....

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